Afghanistan democracy system at risk: EU

EU Special Representative (EUSR) in Afghanistan, Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin in an interview with Ariananews said that Afghanistan democracy system is at risk.

Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin said that if the mistakes and unpleasants of the past elections repeated in the future, there would be fear of Afghanistan’s democracy system facing challenges.

Previously, The European Union has welcomed the second round of the presidential elections held on 14 June. A power-sharing agreement was finally reached between President Ghani and ‘CEO’ Abdullah in September, following intense international pressure which the outcome has frustrated the Afghan people, whose high turnout at the poll, despite high security risks, demonstrated a real commitment to democracy. Turnout in the 2015 parliamentary elections will suggest whether voters’ disappointment persists.

Now EU ambassador to Afghanistan stresses that Afghanistan upcoming election is vital for all. If there will be no commitment for preventing fraud, there would be the risk that people do not participate in the elections.

Mellbin also called for forming the electoral reforms commission as soon as it’s possible.

“I think, it would be a problem that without reforms we financially support the Afghanistan’s upcoming elections. This is a basic issue and we and other donors are emphasizing on our positions.” He said.

The EU has a long-term commitment to Afghanistan and the Afghan people. In June 2014, the Foreign Affairs Council agreed a new strategy for Afghanistan till the end of 2016.

The EU and Member States have agreed that their overarching strategic goal will be the development of Afghanistan’s institutions to provide the resilience needed to safeguard progress to date and provide the platform for a more effective and ultimately sustainable Afghan state.
Reported by Muhammad Qais Rahmani